Government forces neutralized top New People’s Army (NPA) leader Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, during a military operation in the mountains of Sitio Tagulahi, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on February 12.
According to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID), Sularte was killed in an armed encounter against the 30th Infantry Battalion, operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade. The operation involved two clashes, with the final confrontation in the afternoon leading to her death.
Brigadier General Arsenio D.C. Sadural, commander of the 901st Brigade, confirmed that Sularte was the secretary of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) Political Bureau. She was also the widow of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, a high-ranking NPA commander who was killed in a military operation in Bukidnon in 2021.
Military officials labeled Sularte as one of the most wanted NPA commanders, facing multiple criminal charges including rebellion, murder, arson, and kidnapping.
Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of 4ID, commended the troops for taking down the highest-ranking NPA leader in Caraga. He urged remaining rebels to surrender, assuring them of safety and government support under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
